Colleges/ University

Description: Public universities, private universities, liberal arts colleges and career colleges offering bachelors degrees all fall into the category of 4-year colleges and universities.

A bachelor's degree is a four-year undergraduate degree. Bachelor degrees are also sometimes called baccalaureate degrees.

Requirements: 4 year universities have a range of admission requirements. We suggest you researching specific college/universities of interest to find their specific requirements.

Requirements may include...

1. High School Transcripts- University reviews cumulative GPA typically on scale of 4.0 and class rigor. Class rigor is the challenging courses you choose to take, such as honor and advanced placement. MMSD graduation requirements meet MOST college admission requirements. (Ex: 4 years English)

2. Personal Essay/ College Essay- Applications typically include a prompt for a college essay or personal statement. Some schools ask for a main essay and also short answers to additional prompts. LHS Juniors begin to draft their personal essay in their Junior English class and AVID.

3. ACT/ SAT Exam- ACT (American College Testing) or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) are the two main college admission exams. These standardized tests are geared to analyze a students college readiness. Many schools are NOT requiring these test currently due to COVID and a decrease in testing locations.

4. Interview/ Portfolio/Audition- Based off of school and program of study, some schools may require an interview, portfolio, or audition into the school or specific major.

Helpful Hints:

1. Do your research! Finding the "right" college for you is a process. Keep in mind academic (Does it have the majors I am interested in? Do I meet the requirement criteria?) , financial (In state vs. out of state cost? Financial aid or scholarships offered?), and social/ emotional (Does the school provide activities of interest? What are the demographics? Location?) fit of any school option.

2. Plan for your college goals! Are you taking the "right" courses for your college goals? Do they require 2 years of a language or other specific courses. Make sure you are keeping these things in mind during course selection and when planning with your counselor!

3. Make sure to have an Safety, Target, and Reach plan. Safety Plan: a college or university that you know you will get into or would feel comfortable attending if plans change. Target Plan: the college or university that matches most of your criteria and would be a "great" fit for you. Reach Plan: YOUR BIG DREAM/ GOAL school! Reach for the stars!

College Planning Resources:

1. Xello- LHS main college and career planning data base utilized 6th-12th grade. Click explore options, schools, add YOUR own criteria into "more filters", find schools that match YOUR criteria! Save schools of interest!(Click heart)

2. MMSD College Planning Page- MMSD main page to support students and families in planning for college success!

3. LHS College and Career Center- Open for all students as a resource to explore, plan, and learn more about post high school options!

4. Class of 2023 Google Classroom- Google classroom for all Sophomores. Resources for college and career planning. Announcements for opportunities and a way to connect with your Counselor or College and Career Coaches! Code: amwegvf

Lancer Experiences: Click on videos below to hear from Lancer Alum on their experience in transitioning to a College/University!